OUR VISION

Wood is a unique & renewable material 

Wood is not just another packaging material. It is a renewable resource that deserves a distinct policy approach, reflecting its unique characteristics and circular use.

  • Unlike other materials, wood contributes to true progress in sustainability by extending product life. Its ability to be repaired, and recycled makes it a better solution for both people and the planet.
  • Wooden pallets already embody circular economy principles.
  • Wood should be recognised as a strategic circular material.
  • Policies should apply proportionate and material-specific approaches, while giving particular attention to repair and refurbishment.
  • Policy frameworks should recognise that circularity in wood-based systems is already operational and functionally efficient.

Sustainable forest management ensures long-term resource availability 

Wood is a natural material sourced from sustainable forests.  

  • Well-managed forests act as carbon sinks while simultaneously supplying renewable raw materials for the bioeconomy.
  • The wood used in European pallet production comes from sustainably managed forests.

Wooden pallets are circular and do not generate waste 

Wooden pallets already operate in a mature circular model based on extensive repair, refurbishment, and recycling.

  • Wooden pallets are durable and already operate in a mature circular economy model. They are constantly repaired and refurbished, and when they cannot be repaired any further, they are recycled into secondary products (such as panel boards, mulch, or bioenergy feedstock).
  • With approximately 4 billion wooden pallets in daily use across Europe, wooden pallets already exemplify the principles of circularity. Wooden pallets are constantly repaired and refurbished, and when they cannot be repaired any further, they are recycled. They can be recycled into other valuable usages, such as mulch, animal bedding, panel board. All of these transformations are low carbon emitting.

Different circular pallet systems need to be valued and recognised (customised/ standardised; pooled/ non-pooled) 

Efficient and resilient European supply chains depend on a diversity of pallet systems, including both standardised and customised pallets as well as pooled and non-pooled models. Each serves distinct but complementary functions in enabling circular logistics at scale.

  • Customised pallets play a role in ensuring that goods are transported safely (safety for both the transporter/handler and the product).
  • Customised pallets are also needed to transport a wide variety of goods, including construction materials, large appliances, high-value, and fragile items.

Wood contributes to climate objectives

Wood-based products support climate mitigation through carbon storage and substitution of more carbon-intensive materials.

  • Wood contributes to carbon storage.
  • Wooden pallets substitute fossil-based materials in packaging and logistics systems.